Maha asks Centre to impose heavy fine for beacon misuse

In a bid to curb misuse of beacons and sirens atop vehicles, the state government has asked the Centre raise the fine for their unathorised use to Rs5,000 from the present Rs100.

In a bid to curb misuse of beacons and sirens atop vehicles, the state government has asked the Centre raise the fine for their unathorised use to Rs5,000 from the present Rs100.

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Confirming the development, transport secretary Shailesh Kumar Sharma said the state government has recently sent a proposal seeking amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, in this regard.

The state has suggested a fine of Rs10,000 if the violation is repeated.

The state is also curtailing the list of VIP and VVIPs who are entitled to use beacons and sirens.

According to transport department sources, the government has almost finalised the new list of constitutional and functional authorities entitled to use beacons.

Section 108 of CMVR-1989 stipulates that the state government can grant permission to VIPs, VVIPs and government officials for use of red or amber beacons on official vehicles.

“The government resolution about the policy on use of beacons and sires would be out within a week,” said a senior official.

The official said the state and central government are under pressure to hasten the decision on the use of beacons as the next hearing in the Supreme Court on a petition on the issue is on August 6.

While hearing a special leave petition of lawyer-activist Abhay Singh verses Uttar Pradesh government and others on last April 4, the apex court had directed the Union and all state governments to restrict the use of beacons by the heads of politica executive, legislature and judiciary, and impose prohibition on the use of sirens except by police, ambulances, fire fighters and the army.

“The time has come when the use of beacons on vehicles, government or non-government, is drastically restricted so that the people's right to freedom of movement is not hindered in any manner whatsoever,” the apex court order had stated The court had also directed to introduce hefty fine for violation of the provisions governing the use of beacons.